Keep It Simple: One Idea You May Not Have Considered

For years, I had this simple message posted immediately at eye level in my office.

Keep It Simple.

Some days, I follow it. Other days, my calendar is so loaded that it all gets complicated. I'm good at that. We’re good at that. Making things heavier than they need to be. Am I speaking to anyone right now ?

Are you adding layers?

Overthinking conversations?

Overplanning decisions?

Filling calendars?

Carrying expectations no one asked us to carry?

Yeah, me too! Then, we wonder why we’re tired a good portion of the time.

Here’s what I’m learning: complexity doesn’t mean depth. It usually means distraction, noise, or possibly avoiding the simple thing that actually matters.

Simple can be uncomfortable. Simple probably means answering honestly. Simple can also mean acting before everything feels “perfect.” Sometimes simple can mean resting without earning it. That one is hard for me. Simple can also mean saying "no" and not explaining yourself.

That’s where I struggle. I can wait for perfect timing. I mistake busyness for importance. I can hide behind “being thorough” when I’m really a bit nervous that the outcome of this project will not be what I hope it will be, or more honestly, what people hope they will see. Sometimes complexity gives me cover. It can make me feel productive. It can make me feel safe. Honestly, complexity often keeps me from being fully present.

Complexity can also keep me stuck.

So I’ve been trying something different. Not dramatic. Not impressive. Just simple. As a way to sort some of this out, I've started to commit to some different habits:

• Shorter messages.

• Clearer decisions.

• Fewer commitments.

• More margin.

• Journaling in a real notebook (e.g. not digital)..

• Blocking my calendar for focused attention on projects.

• No more than 5 morning routines (e.g., devotion, Duolingo, writing, running, healthy breakfast).

• Being fully present with my conversations.

I'd encourage you to make a list like this. Doesn't have to be mine. It needs to fit how you're wired. When I do this, something shifts in me. I start to hear myself again. I start to truly listen to my wife, my kids. I'm more present to listen to the organization that I help lead. Hopefully, you're getting the idea here.

When you start to lean in this direction, you make room for the important. By the way, simplicity doesn’t remove responsibility. It does remove confusion.

Life seems to get clearer. Confusion seems to mitigate.

This is a decision to improve my quality of life. I am dedicated and work diligently. I take pride in my achievements and am passionate about my job. I will pursue success relentlessly. I need to adopt this mindset, and I'd challenge you to as well.

So here’s the experiment: For one week, pick one heavy place in your life. Your inbox. Your mornings. Your thinking. Your schedule.

Do one simple thing...

Delete.

Decline.

Pause.

Breathe.

Speak plainly.

Then notice.

Do you feel lighter? More honest? More present?

I'm betting that you will.. Because clarity lives on the other side of simplicity. That has been my experience.

I'll leave you with this: Complexity looks impressive. Simplicity builds peace.

Choose simple. In your words. In your work. In your relationships.

This is not a passive move. This is an intentional and strategic quality of life move.

And it might be exactly what you’ve been missing. You will get better. Whoever you're leading will notice and want the same for themselves.

Praying that God reorders your imagination for this kind of leadership thinking in this next season. Peace & love to you. ~ Paul